On the evening of December 4, a signing ceremony was held at the City Hall of Birmingham. for the establishment of a friendship-city relationship between Guangzhou and Birmingham. Guangzhou now has friendship-city relations with 18 cities.

Mayor Zhang Guangning said that the signing of the agreement brought the two cities' relationship to a new level.

There are many similarities between the two cities. The two big cities, with sound industrial bases, both are facing challenges in infrastructure construction, urban renewal, and environmental protection. At present, the two cities are promoting development in finance, conferences & exhibitions, new technologies, education, culture and sports. Since 2003, exchanges have been carried out in education, sports, culture, health and government official trainings, to promote understanding between the two cities. The exchanges and co-operation will be further enhanced following the establishment of the friendship-city relationship.

Editor: Donald